MANDEVILLE, Manchester – By the middle of this year, the government will likely put to tender a $1.254-billion super courthouse in Spur Tree, Manchester.

Last month, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Carol Palmer said the 122,000 sq ft Southern regional Judicial Complex will facilitate, among other things, the Resident Magistrate’s Court, the regional circuit court, the regional gun court and family court. There will also be space for victim support and mediation services.

“I am hesitant to announce a timeline for the project,” Palmer said, explaining that some key decisions regarding the capital services of the ministry are made outside “the central ministry”.

Palmer, who was addressing the mid-year meeting of the Manchester chapter of the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica, said the decision was taken to build the complex and site it outside the town of Mandeville, because of the town’s growth and the current courthouse’s age.

The complex will be undertaken as part of the reform of the justice system.

Palmer said justices of the peace will play increased roles under reform, including conducting proposed community tribunals, where citizens can resolve simple disputes. Any compensation from these tribunals will have to be enforced by the courts, Palmer said.

Both Palmer and president of the Manchester Chapter of the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica, Jean Anderson reminded members to take the office seriously and not to accept payment for their services, or engage in other dishonest conduct.